BLOG: Breast Health and Risk

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death among women. Monthly self-breast exams and annual clinical exams are so important for early detection and treatment measures.

Know your risk for developing breast cancer:

Age

•Risk increases as you get older and half of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women over age 60

Gender

•A woman is 200 times more likely to develop breast cancer than a man

Weight

•Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk

Genetics

•About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene defects inherited from a parent

Family History

•Risk is higher in women whose close blood relatives have this disease. However, less than 15% of women with breast cancer have family with this disease

Mountainside Breast Care, part of Mountainside Medical Group is accepting patients. To learn more, click here.